A torn hamstring sidelined the 28-year-old from the end of August until the end of 2013, and meant that Podolski has been limited to just five Premier League starts for Arsenal this season.

With the World Cup in Brazil just three months away, the German knows he is on borrowed time to prove he deserves to be in Joachim Low's 23-man squad, but the ex-Bayern Munich man — capped 111 times for his country — is positive about his chances.

"I have no fear about making the squad," Podolski told reporters ahead of Wednesday's friendly with Chile in Stuttgart. "I never have fear — and I never will. I think I have a lot of experience with the national team. I've played a lot of matches and have been at a lot of tournaments.

"I have the confidence to say that I really enjoy being with the team and that I am going to do all I can to be at the World Cup. After the long time I missed due to injury I am fully back fit now. I talked to the coach here and also to my coach at Arsenal. I am pleased with my performances in training and in the matches I played.

"We will see what happens during the coming weeks, but for sure I will give my very best to be at the World Cup. But fear? I have no fear."

Germany has been drawn in a group with Portugal, Ghana and USA in this summer's World Cup.